Organized on the sidelines of the first session of the Board of Directors (CA) of the International Academy of Scientific Francophonie (AIFS), this two-day conclave, enhanced by the presence of the Advisor to HM the King and President of the Council of administration of the AIFS, Mr. André Azoulay, of the governor of the province of essaouira, Adil El Maliki, of the rector of the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), Slim Khalbous, and also other personalities, provides an prospect to discuss issues related to the mobility of young researchers and to promote international scientific cooperation.
In an opening speech,Mr. Khalbous highlighted the importance of academic mobility to strengthen exchanges between researchers and institutions in the French-speaking world, noting that this is an essential lever for promoting innovation, the dissemination of knowledge and the creation of enduring scientific networks.
Mr. Khalbous also insisted on the need to remove the administrative and financial obstacles which slow down the mobility of young researchers, especially those from countries in the South, pleading, in this regard, in favor of the establishment of more flexible and inclusive, such as mobility grants, strengthened institutional partnerships and joint research programs, to make this mobility more accessible and equitable.
For his part, the director General of the AIFS, Adel Jarboui, called for thinking about concrete mechanisms to strengthen academic partnerships and support the mobility of researchers in both directions (South-North and north-south), thru scholarships, joint research programs and training initiatives.
For his part, Gérald Brun, cooperation attaché in higher education and research at the French Embassy in Morocco, explained that current reflections on the scientific Francophonie and international mobilities are among France’s priorities for higher education. and research, thus supporting the recognition of diplomas and publications in French.
Then, the audience attended a round table under the theme “Contributions and advantages of the mobility of young researchers”, the opportunity for several speakers to share their perspectives and experiences on the benefits of this mobility for scientific research and innovation.
Discussions focused in particular on how the mobility of young researchers promotes the emergence of new ideas,strengthens international collaborations and contributes to the diversification of methodological and theoretical approaches.
Moreover, several Moroccan and foreign doctoral students gave testimonies on their experiences of academic mobility, in particular their journeys, the challenges they faced and the advantages gained from their stays in international institutions.
These testimonies illustrated how mobility makes it possible to broaden scientific horizons and access diversified resources and expertise, while developing fruitful collaborations with researchers from other regions.
Organized by the AIFS in partnership with the French Embassy in Morocco, this conference marks a notable step in strengthening French-speaking scientific cooperation and in promoting academic mobility as a driver of progress and innovation.
the program also includes two panels around the themes “Success factors of a mobility program” and ”Presentation of some old initiatives and those under construction”. These debates aim to develop practical recommendations to strengthen mobility strategies and to encourage new initiatives capable of supporting the continued evolution of the scientific Francophonie.
Interview: Promoting academic Mobility for Young Researchers in the Francophone World
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We’re excited to discuss the recent conclave organized by the International Academy of Scientific Francophonie (AIFS) on academic mobility for young researchers.Can you start by sharing yoru insights on the significance of this event?
Expert: Absolutely! The conclave was a pivotal gathering that highlighted the importance of academic mobility in fostering scientific research adn innovation in the French-speaking world. Notable figures,including Mr.André Azoulay and Slim Khalbous, emphasized that enhancing collaboration between researchers and institutions is vital for driving forward knowledge creation and dissemination.
Time.news Editor: Mr. Khalbous mentioned the need to dismantle administrative barriers to mobility, especially for researchers from the Global South. What specific challenges do these researchers face?
expert: Young researchers often encounter obstacles related to funding, bureaucratic processes, and the recognition of their academic credentials. Institutions in countries in the South may lack the resources or networks that facilitate mobility. Thus, creating mobility grants, well-defined partnerships, and joint research initiatives can play a crucial role in making these opportunities more accessible and equitable.
Time.news Editor: During the event, several speakers shared their experiences on the benefits of mobility.What were some of the key advantages discussed?
Expert: The roundtable discussions shed light on how mobility catalyzes the emergence of new ideas and strengthens international collaborations. Young researchers reported that exposure to different methodologies and theoretical approaches diversifies their academic toolkit, ultimately enriching their research outcomes. Moreover, testimonies from Moroccan and foreign doctoral students illustrated that such experiences broaden scientific horizons and provide access to diverse resources.
Time.news Editor: The idea of a two-way academic mobility, South-North and North-South, was called for by the director general of AIFS. how does this model benefit both regions?
expert: This reciprocal approach fosters mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise. Researchers from the South can challenge prevailing paradigms by bringing unique perspectives, while those from the North benefit from diversified insights that can spur innovative research directions. This dynamic interaction enhances the global landscape of scientific collaboration and resolves disparities.
Time.news Editor: What practical steps can academic institutions take to promote this mobility among young researchers?
expert: Institutions should prioritize scholarships, joint research programs, and training initiatives specifically targeting young researchers. Developing more flexible, inclusive policies around mobility grants can considerably reduce barriers. Additionally, strengthening institutional partnerships across borders can lay the groundwork for sustainable collaboration and knowledge sharing.
time.news Editor: How does this conclave align with broader trends in higher education and research, particularly in the context of French scientific cooperation?
Expert: The conclave represents a critical step in reinforcing French-speaking scientific cooperation. As countries increasingly emphasize the importance of international education and research collaboration, events like this position themselves as crucial catalysts for change. Thay align with global trends advocating for enhanced mobility, research recognition, and collaborative solutions to complex scientific problems.
Time.news Editor: could you provide our readers with some advice on how they can engage with or support this movement towards greater academic mobility?
Expert: I encourage both academic institutions and individual researchers to advocate for more inclusive policies that prioritize mobility. Engaging in networks that promote partnerships and sharing resources will also create more opportunities. For aspiring young researchers, utilizing available resources, seeking mentorship, and being proactive in exploring mobility programs can open up valuable pathways for their careers.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your valuable insights! It’s evident that promoting mobility is crucial for innovation and collaboration in scientific research, particularly within the Francophone community.
Expert: Thank you for having me; it’s a pleasure to discuss these crucial issues.